Iran-Israel conflict

A S-200 surface-to-air missile system is on display in Terhran.

Analysis

Iran uses first joint SCO field drill to tout drone power, assert post-war resilience

The five-day drill includes participation from China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Observer states Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan and Iraq will also be present.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Hezbollah

Analysis

As it prepares for Hezbollah’s retaliation, Israel anticipates limited fighting in Lebanon

After Israel killed Hezbollah military commander Ali Tabatabai, the militant group faces demands for retaliation from its base.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (R) makes a speech as he attends the National Army Day ceremony on April 18, 2025 in Tehran, Iran. The country held its annual 'Army Day' parade in Tehran, which included an address by current President Masoud Pezeshkian. (Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)

Analysis

Iran's rebuke of Russia, China exposes cracks in its 'look to East' strategy

Pezeshkian comments revived a long-running debate over the fragility of Iran's geopolitical alignments and the asymmetry built into its relations with Moscow and Beijing.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Supporters of incumbent Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani wave national flags in front of a screen displaying his portrait as they celebrate following the announcement of preliminary election results in Baghdad on Nov. 12, 2025.

Analysis

How Iraq’s next government could shape the US-Iran rivalry

Millions of Iraqis headed to the polls last week to vote, but it could be months before a new government takes shape.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Latest News

Iran stops IAEA inspections following UN watchdog's reprimand

In this handout photo released by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) on November 10, 2025, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi (L) is accompanied by AEOI chief Mohammad Eslami during a visit to a facility in Tehran. (Photo by Atomic Energy Organization of Iran / AFP)

Analysis

Trump’s Saudi F-35 deal jolts Israel’s security elite, weakens Netanyahu

An Israel Air Force F-35 fighter lands during the "Blue Flag" multinational air defence exercise at the Ovda air force base, north of Eilat, Israel, Oct. 24, 2021.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Analysis

Israel fears Iran resuming ballistic missile project, eyes confrontation, destabilizing regime

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Iran’s IRGC says it arrested hacker tied to Israeli Mossad: What we know

TEHRAN, IRAN - JUNE 24: A Police officer stands guard as demonstrators wave flags and cheer during a gathering to honor Iran’s military forces, following the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, on June 24, 2025 in Tehran, Iran. Iranian authorities announced this morning they would agree to a ceasefire with Israel, whose attacks on Iran's military and nuclear sites on June 13 sparked a daily exchange of missiles between the countries. (Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)

MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Comeback kid: Will Netanyahu ride Iran war boost to new elections?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is well positioned to leverage the military operation against Iran and its US support to win back many Israeli voters.

Mazal Mualem

By Mazal Mualem

In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics

Former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin arrives to attend a church service for former French President Jacques Chirac at the Saint-Sulpice church in Paris on September 30, 2019. - Former French President Jacques Chirac died on September 26, 2019 at the age of 86.

Interview

Former French PM says Trump has ‘immense opportunity’ in Mideast

Dominique de Villepin, who recently announced a new political party, says in an exclusive written interview with Al-Monitor that France has a vital role to play in promoting regional cooperation.

Dominique de Villepin

Dominique de Villepin

Former French prime minister

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office of the White House, Washington, DC, Feb. 4, 2025.

Analysis

How Trump’s call to end Netanyahu’s trial is linked to broader Gaza deal

The coordinated effort, involving an agreement with Hamas and expansion of the Abraham Accords, also envisions a Nobel Peace Prize for Trump and a pardon for Netanyahu.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani, Permanent Representative of Iran to the UN, speaks during a press conference at the United Nations headquarters on June 16, 2025 in New York City.

Interview

Iran open to regional consortium, enriched uranium transfer in US nuclear talks

Iran’s UN ambassador says his country would consider transfer of enriched uranium stockpiles and outside investment in energy sector if there is an agreement with the US, but that the country is unwilling to accept restrictions on its missile program or domestic enrichment.

Amir Saeid Iravani

Amir Saeid Iravani

Permanent Representative of Iran to the UN

Pope Leo XIV exchanges skullcap (zucchetto) during an audience to the participants in the Meeting of Priests promoted by the Dicastery for the Clergy at the auditorium Conciliazione in Rome on June 26, 2025. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)

Pope Leo decries 'special interests' and MidEast wars, calls Gaza 'inhumane'

The pontiff described the situation in Gaza as “tragic and inhumane,” saying that international law is being cast aside in favor of force.

ASIF HASSAN/AFP via Getty Images

In first speech after war, Khamenei strikes defiant tone against US, Israel

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed Iran would not "surrender" to the US and made a number of claims about the damage inflicted on Israel and the US base in Qatar.

A poster of the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant.

Pentagon reveals new details about strike on Iran’s Fordow: What to know

Top defense official says "no one" is on the ground at Fordow to assess the damage, as the Trump administration tries to dispel doubts about the effectiveness of the US bombing raid designed to knock out Iran’s main enrichment facility.

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Fire and smoke rise from a building, reportedly hit by a missile fired from Iran, in central Tel Aviv on June 13, 2025.

Analysis

A new era? Why Israel-Iran war didn't spook global markets as expected

Past Middle East wars sent markets tumbling, but today's investors have grown accustomed to such shocks, perhaps setting the stage for future market miscalculations.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is briefed.

Why Netanyahu accepted Trump’s ceasefire deal with Iran

In accepting the US-brokered ceasefire with Iran, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu likely weighed operational factors and American pressure alongside significant domestic political considerations.

A view of the platform of the Leviathan natural gas field in the Mediterranean Sea is pictured from the Israeli northern coastal beach of Nasholim, on Aug. 29, 2022.

As Iran ceasefire holds, Israel gas fields resume production: What to know

Egypt and Jordan are increasingly reliant on Israel for gas despite tensions over Gaza, but the conflict with Iran threatened their imports.

Aziz Nasirzadeh

Iran defense chief visits China, first trip after war with Israel: What to know

While Iran and China maintain a deepening military and economic partnership, Beijing offered only rhetorical support during Iran’s 12-day war with Israel.

BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

Trump says US to meet Iran 'next week' amid strike damage doubts

The US president also doubled down on his claim that the US attack on Iran destroyed the country's nuclear program.